Thinking of moving to Phoenix area (Avondale: apartment, job market, income)

[TexasGuy77]

Hi all,

I saw an earlier thread in regards to this but decided to get current info. I currently live in south Texas and would really like to escape the state. I just don't care for Texas all together. Anyway I was thinking of moving to Arizona (Phoenix area to be exact), that way I'm closer to my family in Ca and still not too far from my children in TX.

I'm working toward a degree in game software development and know there is a game studio in Phoenix but I'm not one to toss all my eggs into a single basket. I don't intend to move without a job since I don't have enough savings to support me for several months without a steady income.

Now I know in the other thread some of the top reasons to not move are:

1) Housing is a lot higher than here, I did research and found the prices are about the same (Texas - $575 2-bedroom apartment, Avondale - $525 2-bedroom apartment).

2) Expenses are higher than TX (Texas fuel - $2.49 avg, AZ - $2.59 avg)

3) Illegal aliens (again I live in south TX and very close to the border and am used to that).

4) Kidnappings - I don't plan to sell drugs nor harbor illegal aliens so I'm safe from that.


But what I'm wondering is with an IT background and programming skills, how is the job market currently?

Also keep in mind when comparing pay rates, my current salary is $31,200 yr (which for my area is high).


Thanks